This sequel did not suffer from a second book slump at all. We get more world-building and character growth throughout this as Ash figures out who he is and who he wants to be. The beloved polycule goes through a lot of struggles during this as their responsibilities pull them in different directions.

I don’t want to give any spoilers in my review, but I do want to say “how dare you Kacen?!” over a certain event toward the end of the book. This book is such an emotional rollercoaster.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thanks Macmillan Audio, Netgalley, and Tor Publishing.

CALLENDER, IT IS ON SIGHT.

My heart. I can't. It has been destroyed, ruined beyond healing.

This story starts with showing the cracks in the relationship between Ash, Callum, and Ramsay. As they try and recover from the events in book 1, it becomes clear that the foundation of their relationship is not as strong, as Ash is pulled into the world of rebellion and spying, Callum continues to serve as a guard, and Ramsay is just good old Ramsay. The age old question of: is love enough? is asked throughout this book.

I loved how this book interwove the relationship issues of Ash while also the political situation he finds himself in. The worldbuilding continues to be amazing in this book. However, that last couple of chapters was top tier pain, and I am going to be heartbroken for awhile.

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this ALC in exchange for an honest review!

The first book in the series was one of my favorites of that year so I was very excited for Chaos King to come out. I was happy to be back in this world with these characters. That being said, I definitely struggled with this one. The characters' lack of communication and the overall distrust they had for each other was frustrating. I think it really affected my enjoyment of this book.

The audiobook and narration were great. Callender did a fantastic job with the gender fluidity of one of the main characters and its something I loved in the first one. I hope they will be a third book in this world because that end was hurtful!

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, Macmillan Young Listeners, Tor Teen, Kacen Callender, and Wes Haas (audio narrator) for the opportunity to read Chaos King in exchange for an honest review.

Chaos King is the second book in the Infinity Alchemist duology. There is great political strain in the world of alchemy, as anti-alchemists make a stand. Ash thought he saved New Anglia, but nightmares and premonitions haunt his sleep, inferencing that the world may still need saving. In a content polyamorous relationship with Ramsey and Callum, Ash knows solace should be just around the corner. He can even legally practice alchemy now! But the strain of politics weighs heavy on all.

When Ash is captured by a radical alchemist group, inspired by his own father who he helped bring down, he questions the great power he once sought. Alchemy can certainly be dangerous in the wrong hands. Now being force to work with Lord Alexander, everything he thinks he knows is in turmoil: his relationships, the truth, and everything he once thought about the power of alchemy. There is one aspect that may yet bring the political tensions to fruition, but at what cost? Chaos.

I thoroughly enjoy the LGBTQ representation in this novel. It explores polyamory, transgender, and gender fluidity. The characterization is well-done, and the way this follows the first novel is an exploration of the world dynamics  themselves. The one thing that really threw me for a loop was the ending. I saw in someone else's review that you could read this book first and then the first book second, and this is an extremely interesting idea! This could work, because wow, what a way to leave us, Kacen!

If you are a lover of alchemy, young adult fantasy, or need something in the LGBTQ realm, this duology is for you!

I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

I was so excited to get back into this world, but though this was good, it wasn't as good as book 1.

We are following Ash, an alchemist who is attempting to refrain from living under his father's shadow. The political conflict is still very present, and it is straining Ash's polyamorous relationship. This very cringy relationship, though there were tender moments, there was a lot of, in my opinion, mental abuse that actually began to anger me the more I read. The lack of communication and distrust among them was maddening! I did appreciate the respect for gender fluidity in this book, which is absolutely beautiful from beginning to end. Kacen has done a great job with this; the flow was perfect and understandable. It just did not meet the same level as book 1 for me.

I received an advanced audio copy of Chaos King and found no issue with the narrator. Wes Haas did a good job of bringing life to the characters and bringing emotion to each scene, especially the tense moments Ash has with Ramsay and Callum.

Thank you, Netgalley, Macmillan Audio | Macmillan Young Listeners, and Kacen Callender, for allowing me to listen to Chaos King.

i really liked book one, so me rating this sequel a 2 star is so disappointing. the conflict felt so dragged out and i was failing to comprehend why the characters were doing the things they were doing. Ash’s anger over the treatment of the alchemists wasn’t new, but his behavior threw a wrench in his relationship with both Callum and Ramsay. the characters honestly felt like shells of themselves and the romance lost it’s spark. I also didn’t like that there was a potential for Callum to be interested in another person outside of their already established poly coupling.. it was all so random.

my biggest issue was with the ending— you’re telling me that Ash went back in time using the chaos magic to restart everything, meaning Ramsay and everyone else wouldn’t have the same connections to Ash anymore? what was the reasoning for this because I’d imagine it’d make the next sequel so repetitive. I don’t enjoy the backpedaling that his actions are creating, why are we not moving forward in the current timeline? I have so many questions and idk if I care to continue the series to get those answers. i think a lot of this could’ve been solved differently if everyone wasn’t acting on impulse.

This picks up pretty much where Infinity Alchemist left off. I felt that IA was truly a complete story and wondered what direction this might take. This sequel is very much able to stand on its own. In some ways I think reading the first book AFTER this sequel might make both books work even better.

This novel focuses on power dynamics. All other relationships take a backseat to the theme of power and politics. This wasn't a bad novel but it ruins the peaceful conclusion the first novel ends on. Honestly, I feel like Infinity Alchemist didn't need a sequel and nothing this book offers negates that feeling.

Again this novel on its own, without its status as a sequel isn't a bad novel. It's not compelling and feels bogged down in morality that I don't dismiss as important. I think it's hard to not share politics or morals with your partners. I would not chose a romantic relationship with someone who did not hold my values. This just felt more like a romance in that relationship struggles somewhat dominant the narrative. Only to be ultimately dealt with in a realistic and commonsense manner that creates just an extremely unsatisfying ending.

This audiobook is narrated by Wes Haas. Wes does an excellent job keeping every character unique. I think in many ways the narration kept me invested in the story.

Thank you to Kacen Callender, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook. All opinions and viewpoints expressed in this review are my own.

I must admit, I really struggled with this one. I adored Infinity Alchemist, it was so unique and I loved the way that the story was told. But this one felt a bit off to me. There was A LOT happening and a lack of communication between Ash, Ramsay, and Callum, who are all being pushed and pulled in different directions. I'm not sure what I wanted to come out of this book, but it wasn't what I got. And I hated the ending.

Thanks to MacMillan Audio and Netgalley for the ARC.

3.5/5

Overall, the Infinity Alchemist duology is a very enjoyable series filled with magic, action and very good LGBTQIA representation. Chaos King brings the series to a close and is a fast paced, full of action conclusion that for the most part, pulls of what it intended. The world building is solidly there, and the magic is well done, I just felt the character development got a bit less attention in this book. I really kept wanting for more of Ash, Callum and Ramsey together dealing with all their issues, I think it would have brought more emotion to this story. I liked the overall plot and my favorite character in this one was definitely Marlowe, although at times it did feel like a lot was being dealt with and therefore it felt a bit muddied at times. I will admit as it got closer to the end, I kept wondering how in the heck is it all getting resolved and what would happen with our threesome.......and I will say I wasn't a huge fan of the ending resolution. In a way it kinda feels like a cheat and a part of me felt like....."why did I just go through all of that if it's just getting wiped away"......and I certainly understand why some people will like how it resets things and lets the reader fill in what will happen, it's just not my favorite way to finish a series. That said, overall, the impression of the series is positive and for younger readers getting into the fantasy genre, it is a good duology to read. I had the audio ARC and certainly enjoyed the narration as well.

I’m glad I was able to listen to this ARC audiobook!

If not for the ending, this would have been at least a solid 3. The narrative made a lot of very interesting promises: the perils of being a double spy, the struggle of keeping a throuple together in the face of different ideals, what it means to atone for your parents, and oddly enough addiction?

But the book was ultimately unable to deliver on any of them. There was no sense of danger to the spying and no consequences when he was unable to provide information to either faction. The relationship that was so compelling in the first book was nonexistent in this one, we’re left in the aftermath of something that burned hot off page and has since fizzled out— so them falling apart over ideology is hardly compelling when I don’t know why they’re still together now. None of the characters reflected in any meaningful way on what atonement should look like, and in specific how the HELL Ramsay building weapons is atonement for the MASS MURDER his parents did. The addiction to chaos was such an afterthought it felt a little insulting.

Still, it was intriguing enough to at least warrant a 3. I like the different branches of alchemy and that we got to see more of it. The new side characters were fun enough too!

But in light of the TERRIBLE ending, I am no longer as gracious to forgive the multitude of sins in this book.

What was the point of making Ash an advisor if he never got to hear or experience anything interesting in the head of houses meeting? Why would the rebel leader do ANY OF THAT, for what purpose? What did Callum think he was accomplishing with forcing alchemists to become police against other alchemists? What was the point of the Charlotte crush plot? Why was there TWO scenes where Ash woke up to find out that Callum and Ramsay had been taking care of him while he was unconscious? Why were we denied basically any on page romance for them? One date in a whole book??? NOT ENOUGH. what was the point of Ash’s mother leading him to his father to have weird dream conversations? Felt like adding a random middle man for no reason, they could have just had their dream convos. WHAT WAS THE POINT OF ASH BEING SOURCE JESUS IN THE LAST BOOK IF IT LITERALLY HAD NO BEARING ON THE REST OF HIS LIFE GOINF FORWARD? BOOK HAD ME THINKING HE WAS THE CHOSEN ONE OR SOMETHING BUT NO, BEING BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE WAS TRULY JUST A NONSENSE MOVE TO ACCOMPLISH A GOAL, JUST LIKE THE [REDACTED] WAS AT THE END OF THIS VOLUME.

1.5 stars and I’m MAD ABOUT IT!

A thrilling and fascinating sequel to Kaen Callender's Infinity Alchemist that really lived up to the thrall of the first novel and built on the story in new and uniue ways!

➤ 𝚂𝚈𝙽𝙾𝙿𝚂𝙸𝚂

In this explosive sequel to Infinity Alchemist, Ash is still haunted by what he’s done, and what might come next. After defying his father and saving New Anglia, Ash struggles with nightmares, visions of black orbs, and the ghost of his mother, who seems to be trying to warn him of a new danger.

Desperate to reach her and uncover the truth, Ash sets out to find a way to speak to the dead. But even with his powerful alchemy, that path is risky, and could lead to more destruction. The world may not be safe yet, and Ash’s journey is far from over.

➤ 𝚃𝙷𝙾𝚄𝙶𝙷𝚃𝚂

The overall plot of this sequel has potential. While not especially original, it moves at a steady pace and includes solid themes like legacy, personal struggle, and the tension between magic and religion. The conflict between Ash and his father’s legacy adds some emotional depth, and the way the book touches on belief systems manipulated by those in power reflects both real and imagined histories. These aspects help create a strong foundation for the worldbuilding.

However, much of the story feels weighed down by surface-level characters and predictable twists. The love triangle—framed as a polyamorous relationship—comes off as shallow, skimming the surface of emotional complexity. Ash, as the central character, often feels immature and too weak to carry the weight of that dynamic. While the book is clearly aimed at a young adult audience, it's sometimes unclear what today’s YA standards are, especially when gender-swapping characters and social identity themes feel like they take center stage over plot or character development. These elements, while important to some readers, feel more like the focus than a natural part of the story, which may be off-putting depending on what you’re looking for. With deeper characters and more thoughtful twists, this could’ve been a stronger entry in the series.

Buckle up, fantasy lovers—Chaos King by Karen Callender is here to shake up your bookshelf (and your heart) in the most exhilarating way! As the highly anticipated sequel to Infinity Alchemist, this installment plunges us deeper into Ash's intricate world, where magic is power, alliances are delicate, and love transcends conventional boundaries.
Wes Haas’s narration brings the characters to life, creating an immersive listening experience that had me hooked from the start. The world Callender has crafted is bursting with political chaos, high-stakes magic, and relationships that challenge every societal rule.
Ash’s journey in this book is nothing short of heartbreaking. His struggle to navigate the conflicting desires of his two loves against the backdrop of a world on the brink of destruction left me breathless and emotionally wrecked. I gasped, I cried, and the twists and turns had me on the edge of my seat. While I didn’t love the ending quite as much as Infinity Alchemist, it beautifully reflects the high stakes of this series and resonates with the overarching themes of sacrifice and resilience.
One of the standout aspects of Chaos King is its representation of gender and sexuality. Ash's character is a beautifully complex portrayal of a non-binary transgender person, complete with the insecurities and challenges that come with self-acceptance. Callender handles these themes with such grace amid the turmoil of war, making it a refreshing and empowering read.
The magic system in this series is also stellar—an intricate blend of alchemy, chaos, and power that feels both innovative and grounded in its limitations. The urban magic setting, complete with magical portals that connect the various houses, adds an enthralling layer to the worldbuilding. The conflicts between the powerful houses and the capital city are rife with tension, creating an evocative backdrop for Ash's journey.
The relationship dynamics between Ash, Ramsey, and Callum stand out as well, showcasing a polyamorous romance that is rarely explored in YA. Watching them attempt to navigate their evolving feelings and the aftermath of the events in the first book made for a compelling read.
While the resolution in Chaos King leaves some questions lingering, I found it satisfying enough to know that there’s still more to explore in this rich world. I’m crossing my fingers for another book! If you’re looking for a dark academia fantasy filled with emotion, magic, and a brilliantly crafted universe, I highly recommend diving into this series. Chaos King is a breathtaking experience that will truly enchant readers, and I can't wait to see what Callender has in store next!

Really loved the first book. This one just didn’t live up to the first. The ending was interesting and makes me want to see how they resolve it in the next one, but this one just wasn’t as good.

**Audiobook Review: *Chaos King* by Kacen Callender** 🎧✨

Buckle up, fantasy lovers—*Chaos King* is here to shake up your bookshelf (and your heart). The highly anticipated sequel to *Infinity Alchemist* takes us even deeper into Ash’s world, where magic is power, alliances are fragile, and love doesn’t fit into neat little boxes.

Narrated by Wes Haas, this audiobook is **a full-on experience**, pulling you into a world of political chaos, high-stakes magic, and relationships that challenge every rule. Ash’s journey gets even messier as he navigates dangerous betrayals, unexpected romance, and a magic system that is as beautiful as it is deadly. And let’s talk about the polyamorous romance—because YES, it’s here, it’s real, and it’s *so* well done.

Callender’s storytelling is nothing short of magic, blending action, emotion, and thought-provoking themes seamlessly. And with Haas bringing these characters to life? You’re in for an **immersive, can’t-stop-listening** kind of ride.

If you loved *Infinity Alchemist*, get ready—this sequel cranks up the intensity **x100**. And if you haven’t started the series yet? Now’s the time. *Chaos King* drops April 15, 2025—so pre-order, grab your headphones, and prepare for a fantasy story that refuses to play by the rules. 🔥📖

The 2nd book in the Infinity Alchemist series was phenomenal. There is a lot happening in this book, including how love prevails even if you are on the other side of things, a rebellion group vs. the law, chaos and source as powers, humans against alchemists, and knowing who to trust. This novel absolutely gutted me. Ash is trying to get out from under his father's name even though he helped to eradicate him. There was not a dull moment in this book, and there are some dark powers at work. I absolutely wish the next book was ready because I need to know what happens!

2.5 stars rounded up

I have to be honest- this was a little disappointing. It's not a bad book, but I had high expectations after the book 1. Chaos King very much felt like a middle book in a series, and the ending went in a direction I didn't love. There were pieces of this that were really compelling, but it didn't quite hang together the way they might have.

Ash can now legally practice alchemy, and he's in a polyamorous romantic partnership, but politics, class differences, and rebels are going to make things very messy...

A lot of authors struggle to maintain interest and tension in established relationships, and I would say that is the case here too. Yes, there are plenty of external factors impacting the triad's bonds with each other, but you don't feel the same emotional depth and desire you do in book 1. AND there are some big spoilery things that happen towards the end of the book that should make a big impact emotionally on the main character, but we don't ever feel that.

Politically, things feel over-complicated. Perhaps because the motivations of some of the different players are sometimes unclear. On a macro level, I see what the character arc of this book was, but at a more granular level a lot of the plot to get us there was either confusing or uninteresting. Or frustrating because we have an impulsive main character who never thinks anything through. There were parts of it that really landed in terms of the internal and external conflicts Ash is dealing with, but other parts felt random or repetitive.

Without giving spoilers, I can also say that the ending did some things I am generally not a fan of in speculative fiction. Of course there are exceptions, but this book wasn't one of them. However, that's a personal preference and other readers may feel differently.

I do still like the way sexuality and gender identity are managed in this world. As oppressive as it is, one of the love interests being quite literally gender fluid is no big deal. Conceptually, I like the theme of struggling between idealistic rebels and a ruling class when nothing is simple and people will get hurt regardless. So mixed feelings on this book. Loved book 1 though. The audio narration is perfectly fine. I received an audio review copy via NetGalley, all opinions are my own.